July 4th events in Williamsburg VA 2013
There’s no better place to celebrate independence than the town where so much history was made.(Williamsburg VA) Bring your family and spend the holiday with us this July 4th.
As darkness falls, high flying aerial fireworks visible from much of the Historic Area in Williamsburg celebrate our nation’s birthday. The best places to see these spectacular fireworks are from Market Square, Palace Green, or the Public Hospital grounds. Parking is available at the Visitor Center but, due to heavy traffic, shuttle bus service to the Historic Area is not available from 8:45 until 10:45. Shuttle bus service is available with or without tickets on the 4th of July.
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m., and a whole day of special programming precedes them.
Independence Day Celebration
Light up Your Independence Day at America’s Birthplace
Join us in Williamsburg for a vibrant and patriotic Fourth of July celebration. With a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, a leisurely picnic in the Palace Garden, a performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and a dazzling display of fireworks—you’ll want to come early and stay late into the evening.
Independence Day in “The Revolutionary City”
Begin your Independence Day celebration with our special morning militia muster in “The Revolutionary City” and a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. Spend your afternoon touring the city before the evening Independence Day Celebration, including a lively picnic in the Palace Garden and performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Our stunning fireworks display—and your participation with glow sticks—finishes out the night.
July 4th, 2012 Event Schedule, Colonial Williamsburg VA
Colonial Williamsburg’s programs begin with “Salute to the States” at 10 a.m. on July 4 on Market Square behind the Courthouse. A special militia muster in commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of our nation salutes the 13 original colonies. The Fifes and Drums perform, flags of each state are displayed, and music and cannons celebrate the event.
The Declaration of Independence is our nation’s founding document and announces a vision of a new society in which “all men are created equal.” A special interpretation at noon at the Capitol gives voice to “the People’s” document.
During “Music for the Fireworks” at 8 p.m. behind the Courthouse on Market Square, Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums perform a concert of patriotic music. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. and can be enjoyed on Palace Green or from Market Square.
Parking is available at the Visitor Center. Due to heavy traffic, shuttle bus service to the Historic Area is not available between 8:45 and 10:45 p.m. Shuttle bus service is available with or without Colonial Williamsburg admission tickets.
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and park at the Visitor Center and take Colonial Williamsburg’s buses to the Historic Area. No ticket is required to enjoy this program.
Event Schedule
10 a.m.
Salute to the States behind the Courthouse
noon
A Declaration of Independence at the Courthouse
5–7:30 p.m.
Independence Day Celebration: Food,
Fanfare & Fireworks
Casual come-and-go evening
Reservations required
5–7:30 p.m.
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums and Alumni Perform on Market Square
5–9 p.m.
Historic Tavern dining available
Reservations required
8–9:30 p.m.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs in front of the Governor’s Palace
Reservations required for exclusive seating
9:20 p.m.
Fireworks begin
Parking and Transportation
Take advantage of free parking at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center, where you can purchase admission tickets and use the FREE shuttle bus service. Please note that the pedestrian bridge to the Revolutionary City will be closed to traffic from 9:15 to 10 p.m.
Shuttle Schedule
9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Every half hour from the Visitor Center to all regular stops
8–9 p.m.
Express service ONLY from the Visitor Center to the Palace stop
9–11 p.m.
NO SERVICE*
11 p.m.
Regular service to all stops
*Buses to “The Revolutionary City” will not run during the fireworks. Please plan to arrive early.
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Enhanced Trolley Service on July 4th-2013
Park at New Town or High Street and ride one of the three trolleys scheduled to run at approximately 15 minute intervals. As an added bonus, starting at 5:00 p.m., the first 200 children on the Trolley will receive a Patriotic Glow Necklace or Bracelet. |
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4th of July Ice Cream Social A Sentara Williamsburg Community Hospital Auxiliary event with proceeds used for The 31st annual "Ice Cream Social" has become a tradition for locals and visitors and is sponsored by Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. Money raised from the social helps support the auxiliary’s community programs, including free mammogram, bone density and health screenings for the uninsured, scholarship programs, pediatric gift bags in emergency, chemo cap program and holiday tray favors for patients The event takes place 4:30-7 p.m. July 4, 2013 in the Wren yard in front of William & Mary. Sponsored by the auxiliary of Sentara Williamsburg Regional medical Center. Music by Smith Wade Band. Ice cream, cake, hot dogs, soft drinks, raffle prizes, games, face-painting. A HUGE scoop of ice cream and some homemade cake costs $3. Hot dogs will be sold for $3 and soft drinks will be $1.
There are always a lot of people–and especially families–who attend and we look forward to good weather.
Please plan to attend and bring your co-workers and friends and family ! |
Nearby July 4th events
FIFTY NIGHTS OF FIREWORKS KICKS-OFF @ Busch Gardens
Join Busch Gardens Williamsburg in celebration of summer at IllumiNights — a nightly extravaganza featuring live performances, music and special effects that culminate in a park-wide firework spectacular. July 1 through Aug. 11, journey through the park as each village celebrates IllumiNights in its own way with multiple performances throughout the evening.
- Event runs July 1 – August 11 ,2013
- Enjoy special shows in each country at 5:30, 6:30, 8 and 9 p.m..
- Each night enjoy a fireworks spectacular starting at 9:30 p.m..
Event Website
Busch Gardens is the source for nighttime fun this summer when IllumiNights: A Busch Gardens Encore returns with 50 nights of spectacular live performances throughout the park followed by nightly fireworks. Guests can visit Ireland for The Legend of Killarney, where larger-than-life puppets spin a magical tale of leprechauns and a lost fortune. In France, Voila! transports families to the bustling streets of Paris where outdoor performances including exciting ladder walkers entertain park guests. In Italy, lush gardens transform into a stage for an Italian strength troupe at Giardino Magico. In addition to the other night-time entertainment, Germany’s Oktoberfest Plaza is turned upside down with colorful characters and crazy critters at the all-new Wunderbarn!. Henrik and Helga, owners of the zany Black Forest Farms lead the German festivities that build to a rollicking finale with park guests’ favorite, The Chicken Dance. Park performances begin nightly at 5:30 p.m. and culminate with the park’s signature Tour de Force: Fireworks Finale at 9:30 p.m. This spectacular fireworks show blends dazzling color with an original score that can be viewed throughout the park. It’s the perfect summertime capstone to a wonderful day at the Williamsburg theme park.
Yorktown Independence Day Celebration
07/04/2013
9:00 AM – 9:15 PM
Event Website
Come to historic Yorktown and salute America along the waterfront! Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with the patriotic parade on Water Street. Evening activities feature a bell-ringing ceremony at 7 p.m.; a patriotic concert at 8 p.m. at the Riverwalk Landing stage; and, a spectacular fireworks show on the York River at 9:15 p.m. For complete information, visit the July 4th website. Free. (757) 890-3500
In historic Yorktown, salute America along the Yorktown waterfront beginning with a 9 a.m. patriotic parade on Water Street and during its evening Independence Day Celebration, featuring a bell-ringing ceremony at 7 p.m. and patriotic entertainment at 8 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing, followed by spectacular fireworks on the York River at 9:15 p.m.
The 33rd annual Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 4. Activities taking place in Historic Yorktown will include:
8 a.m. Yorktown Independence Day 8k Run and 5K Walk – York High School
9 a.m. Parade on Water Street – music provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Band at Riverwalk Landing
4 p.m. Event Parking opens Corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street
7 p.m. Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony – Riverwalk Landing Stage
8 p.m. United States Army Training and Doctrine Command Band ( Dixie Band) – Riverwalk Landing Stage
9:15 p.m. Spectacular Fireworks Display over the York River
For additional event information, please visit www.yorkcounty.gov/fourth or call York County Parks and Recreation at 890-3500.